TASTE_Fall2023

| A TAPESTRY OF CALIFORNIA WINE |

Bay and the Sierra Nevada mountains in California’s Central Valley region. More than 125 grape varieties grow in the seven AVAs of Lodi thanks to the beautiful Mediterranean climate. Still, one grape is most celebrated: Zinfandel. Considered America’s heritage grape, Zinfandel plantings in Lodi account for over 40 percent of California’s Zinfandel production, making the town the Zinfandel capital of the world. When you see “old vine” Zinfandel on the label of a Lodi wine, it means that most grapes come from vines over 50 years old. Other notable varieties of the region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Gris. You’ll also find unique wines made from grapes such as Carignan and Picpoul Blanc. Central Coast Spanning 450 km from San Francisco Bay south to Santa Barbara and 100 km from the Pacific Ocean east to the California Coast Ranges, the Central Coast AVA is an immense California grape-growing region. The ocean’s tempering influence is thus crucial for moderating the microclimates of the 10 counties and 40 AVAs that make up California’s Central Coast appellation. The Central Coast area is highly recognized for crafting excellent Burgundian varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Coastal highlights include the AVAs of Santa Lucia Highlands, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. Farther inland, the Livermore Valley, Paso Robles, Santa Ynez Valley and Ballard Canyon AVAs offer excellent growing conditions for Bordeaux and Rhône varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Consider trying some of the world‑class wine offerings from California this cozy season. The Golden State’s selections at your local BCLIQUOR store will delight your palate and weave excitement through your senses.

DUCKHORN NAPA VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC USA $38.99 287086 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa bursts with the flavours of honeydew melon, pineapple and a hint of lime zest. Mouth-watering and delicious, it is an excellent find. This tropical fruit-forward

RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL SONOMA

CHARDONNAY USA $29.99 275552 Enjoy this palate-pleasing Chardonnay from Sonoma that is both creamy and bright. Its flavours include lemon meringue pie, vanilla and Granny Smith apple.

J. LOHR LOS OSOS PASO ROBLES MERLOT USA $25.99 566901 J. Lohr’s velvet-tannin Merlot showcases blackberry, plum and blueberry alongside notes of mocha and nutmeg. This is one impressive Merlot from the heart of Paso Robles.

WINDSTORM OLD VINE LODI ZINFANDEL USA $19.99 220635 Big, rich and bold, this old vine Zinfandel from Lodi deserves notice. Full with jammy flavours of strawberry, blackberry and plum, smooth tannins and subtle hints of vanilla on the finish.

BONTERRA CENTRAL COAST ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON USA $24.99 342428 This organic Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Coast AVA hits all the right spots. It offers flavours of black cherry, vanilla and raspberry with lively acidity and a smooth finish.

Did you know? California’s wide range of premium wine styles, from full‑bodied Cabernets to elegant Pinot Noirs, are the product of cooling influences from the ocean, altitude and slope of coastal hills, combined with warmth of the sun.

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